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MacBook Pro Noob please help!

C

cgcaps

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 7, 2009
6
0
I am a complete noob when it comes to apple computers but i am very tired of Microsoft so i decided to give it a shot especially with the price cuts. I know this question has probably been asked several times but i really need some help on deciding which one to buy. I am torn between buy the 13: 2.5GH processor and 4GB RAM 320GB HD or should i just save a llittle bit of money and just go with the lower end MBP but upgrade to 500MB? See I am a college student but am also in the military and go off on trips alot and because i am away from my family so much i do alot of photo editing and video editing to keep in touch. i know upgrades i can do myself but im leaving very soon and wont have time to upgrade it myself so please help me out.
 
Oh wow thats nice thanks for the help. How dependable are their refurbished items? And would i be able to upgrade the ram to 4GB and the HD to maybe 320 or 500?
 
go with the 320gb option, upgrade to 500gb later if you need to. Use the old 320gb as an external for back up purposes.
 
go with the lowest end mac pro w/dedicated graphics. you can upgrade the ram and hd for ~120 dollars later on. You won't need it initially anyway. The processor bump is really not really worth it.
 
Going to disagree with most everyone so far.

I would get the New MBP 13" 2.53 w/4gb ram like you were already considering. You will notice the increased processor speed when rendering video (albeit not a lot).
 
My dad always said, "Always get the best spec'd computer you can afford". In my experience there is no such thing as saving money when it comes to computers...what you "save" now, you will pay later, in upkeep, as the computer ages. The lower the specs, the shorter the lifespan, relatively speaking, and the quicker you will be pumping money into it to keep it up to speed.

That said, this only pertains to those features/specs which are not generally user upgradeable, i.e. the CPU, integrated video cards, etc. Do not spend extra money buying more RAM or larger drives directly from the manufacturer. This is the equivalent of buying a 6 pack of beer on an airplane. It will cost you far and above the standard market price. Do those upgrades yourself post purchase.
 
Richard1028 said:
I would get the New MBP 13" 2.53 w/4gb ram like you were already considering.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with this, almost. Go with the 13" 2.53. Get it stock, and upgrade the HDD and RAM yourself if you need it down the road. Shipping time would be your only obstacle when it comes to getting things in time to do the swaps immediately. Good luck!
 
As a previous owner of the non-pro aluMB, and since you plan to edit, I would stay away from the refurbs because you may get a terrible screen. I was able to return mine and get the new 15" base model and could not be happier. I do miss the 13" portability, but upgrading was the only way I was able to get Apple to take back my aluMB, which had a failed logic board.

That said, I'd go with either 13" MBP.
 
I guess their price cuts are doing something afterall .. suck on that M$!
 
mcdj said:
My dad always said, "Always get the best spec'd computer you can afford". In my experience there is no such thing as saving money when it comes to computers...what you "save" now, you will pay later, in upkeep, as the computer ages. The lower the specs, the shorter the lifespan, relatively speaking, and the quicker you will be pumping money into it to keep it up to speed.

That said, this only pertains to those features/specs which are not generally user upgradeable, i.e. the CPU, integrated video cards, etc. Do not spend extra money buying more RAM or larger drives directly from the manufacturer. This is the equivalent of buying a 6 pack of beer on an airplane. It will cost you far and above the standard market price. Do those upgrades yourself post purchase.
Click to expand...

Very wise- exactly what my parents said. Just go with the 2.53GHz one and BTO the HD to 320 GB- only $50 more. Then you're all set!
 
Hey every i appriciate the advise it was very helpful. I believe i will go with the 2.5gh processor and upgrade the hd to 320 and ram to 4gb. Now i was looking at the programs they had is works a good program or should i go with office? Sorry for all the questions but like i said im completely new to macs and just dont want to get something that is not worth getting and what better way than to ask those who use them.
 
cgcaps said:
Hey every i appriciate the advise it was very helpful. I believe i will go with the 2.5gh processor and upgrade the hd to 320 and ram to 4gb. Now i was looking at the programs they had is works a good program or should i go with office? Sorry for all the questions but like i said im completely new to macs and just dont want to get something that is not worth getting and what better way than to ask those who use them.
Click to expand...

If you don't mind spending some extra money, get iWork bundled with it..if you want a free program go with Open Office.
 
i was debating the same issue, i found that the best decision was to go for the better video cards, the ram and HDD can be upgraded easily
 
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